Thirty years ago Elder Neal A. Maxwell, who was then serving in The First Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave a talk at Brigham Young University entitled “Meeting The Challenges of Today,”. It was later republished as “A More Determined Discipleship“. His words of warning that day regarding our national decline have become prophetic. A video is included below.

“…People of faith have been intimidated for simply exercising their democratic rights. These are not actions that are worthy of the democratic ideals of our nation. The end of a free and fair election should not be the beginning of a hostile response in America…Attacks on churches and intimidation of people of faith have no place in civil discourse over controversial issues. People of faith have a democratic right to express their views in the public square without fear of reprisal. Efforts to force citizens out of public discussion should be deplored by people of goodwill everywhere…”

-The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, November 14, 2008

In the midst of this active campaign of intimidation and hate, there have emerged voices of reason. Many have decried the shameful attacks, and stand beside their Mormon neighbors. Americans of all races and religion boldly proclaim their convictions to protect family values and religious freedom. Last weekend, two Roman Catholic bishops released formal statements in support of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“Catholics stand in solidarity with our Mormon brothers and sisters in support of traditional marriage — the union of one man and one woman — that has been the major building block of Western Civilization for millennia.

“The ProtectMarriage coalition, which led the successful campaign to pass Proposition 8, was an historic alliance of people from every faith and ethnicity. LDS were included — but so were Catholics and Jews, Evangelicals and Orthodox, African-Americans and Latinos, Asians and Anglos…

“…I personally decry the bigotry recently exhibited towards the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — coming from the opponents of Proposition 8, who ironically, have called those of us supporting traditional marriage intolerant…”

“…Like our friends in the Mormon faith, the Catholic Church has long championed and promoted the sacredness of traditional marriage and the importance of the family in our society…While acknowledging that this position is not universally held in our society today, our churches are committed to proclaiming the truth and we cherish our ability to participate in the democratic process. It is worth noting that our two churches joined with a wide alliance of people from different faiths and ethnicities including Orthodox, Jews, Evangelicals, Hispanics, African Americans, Asians and Anglos…One of the hallmarks of our country is that people of different opinions can debate neuralgic issues and at the same time demonstrate respect, civility and courtesy for the other. I pray that this will be the case going forward.”

“…To place anyone in fear of threat to their houses of worship or their personal security because they have expressed deeply held religious views is contrary to everything this nation represents…”

Sadly, Proposition 8 is not the beginning nor the end of our national crises. However, there is still hope that the “slumbering majority” will awake and arise in defense of religious conviction and freedom in America.

I invite you to listen to Elder Maxwell’s prophetic 1978 words:

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6 thoughts on “A 1978 Warning Of Current USA Crises”

Thank you for posting Elder Maxwell’s words in that video. That was incredible! I did not doubt before, but my testimony that we have prophets that lead us is now strengthened. I love the call for unity at the end. That is certainly happening, and what a blessing to stand with others of faith in our country. Thank you again. I love your blog!

What a fabulous post. Thanks for sharing those positive links. I, too, posted Elder Maxwell’s message last week. Intriguing and prophetic indeed. We’re so privileged to be part of the winding-up scenes in these latter days–and to play our part in standing up for the right.

I really appreaciate this posting. Men like Elder Maxwell clearly had the spirit of the Lord moving upon them and giving them insight, even at this time when he was not yet sustained as a prophet, seer and revelator.
Of course we forget what the fight over the ERA was like, especially people like me who was not born until 1980. If the ERA had passed, we probably would have same gender marriage legal in all 50 states, and it probably would have occurred by 1985.
So I have to send out a special thanks to those who stood against the ERA.
I have written extensively on issues related to the fight for Prop 8 and the hate expressed by the anti-8 cowd at my blog.

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